Monday, October 6, 2014

Jaws aka Pe'ahi

Rating:In a nutshell:The biggest wave surfed in the world each year has been at Pe’ahi more than any other place.Minuses:The access road can be 4WDSound-bite:[crashing waves, cheers and helicopters]Disclaimer on the rating:
Pe’ahi is only “must-see spectacular” when the North Shore is having
monster surf (look for high surf warnings and consult the real-time wave data chart below.)

Summary
Pe’ahi is Maui’s biggest surfing break, and the yearly Billabong XXL Global Big Wave
contest has listed Jaws as the winning break more than any other place.
When Jaws is going off, the top names in surfing flock here – and mere
mortals follow to watch in awe.

What is Tow-in Surfing?

Tow-in surfing is when the waves are so large that the only way a pro
surfer can get in to them (in one piece, anyway) is to be skillfully
towed in, and dropped off, via Jet Ski. In recent years surfers have
started paddling in to this break that was previously only attempted as a
tow-in.

“Jaws” is certainly the most well known, and also the most
geographically specific name for the surf break. The name “Pe’ahi” has
become more popular with surfers trying to draw connection with local
culture as of late – so it is now common to hear that name used as well.
(Pe’ahi is actually the name of the much larger ahupua'a.)
If two names weren’t enough, according to Kupuna Leslie Kuloloio, the
traditional Hawaiian name for this spot is “Ke Kai ‘o Waitakulu”, which
he translates as “The Teary Eye.”

The Bad News
Before you add this to your must-do list for your Maui vacation, here is
the bad news: chances are you won’t be able to. Most years there are
just a few big-wave events with the perfect conditions for surfing Jaws.
So, you’re going to need some luck with timing!
If you are lucky enough to see this in person, you’re sure
to appreciate the magnitude of these feats of athleticism. (Check out
the You Tube video below for better perspective of how big these waves actually are.)